Topic: How To Invest

What do you think about purchasing shares in Unilever plc? Thanks.

Article Excerpt

Unilever plc (ADR), $45.24, symbol UL on New York (Shares outstanding: 1.3 billion; Market cap: $57.9 billion; www.unilever.com), is one of the world’s largest makers of branded and packaged consumer goods. Asia and Africa account for 40% of its sales, followed by the Americas (33%) and Europe (27%). Emerging markets supply 56% of its overall sales. Unilever operates through four divisions: 1) Personal Care (36% of sales) makes skin and hair care products, deodorants and oral care products. Top brands include Dove (soap), Lux (soap), Sunsilk (shampoo), Axe (deodorant), Pond’s (skin cream), Vaseline (petroleum jelly) and Close-Up (toothpaste). 2) The Foods division (27%) makes a variety of packaged foods, including Becel margarine, Knorr soups and Hellmann’s mayonnaise. 3) The Refreshment division (19%) makes Lipton teas and Ben & Jerry’s ice cream. 4) Home Care (18%) makes laundry and dishwashing detergents and other household cleaning products. Major brands include Sunlight, Comfort and Sif. In the three months ended March 31, 2014, Unilever’s sales fell 6.3%, to 11.4…